Bognor Regis pub 'targeted' for area's anti-social behaviour problems

Businesses are standing up for a Bognor Regis pub, which they say is being blamed for issues in the area.
The Unicorn pub. Picture from Google MapsThe Unicorn pub. Picture from Google Maps
The Unicorn pub. Picture from Google Maps
Read More
'Thieves know they can get away with it' says Bognor Dad

Jason Passingham, 48, who owns Heygate Bookshop a few doors up from the pub, said he does not believe all of the anti-social behaviour concerns about the pub are accurate.

He said: “It is almost like the pub has become an easy target. It is the perception that anything that happens in the area is their fault. We have got five drinking establishments but any time something will happen it’s The Unicorn’s fault and it’s not always true.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Complaints about behaviour in the area range from the smell of cannabis smoke, broken glass, to people urinating in the street.

Jason admitted there was a ‘significant problem’ with anti-social behaviour in the area but said: “It’s just the nature of this area that is poorly lit and there are lots of dark corners and dark areas attract that kind of behaviour.”

“I think at the moment it will be unfair [to take the licence away] unless all the information can be proven to be caused by The Unicorn. If they are in breach they should pay the consequences but from what I’m getting, things are being played up to say it was The Unicorn’s customers.”

Melissa Woods, 40, who owns The Worx Hair and Beauty, has lived in Bognor for her whole life.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Melissa said she and other business owners in the area were being adversely affected by councillors making negative comments about the pub. “What they are saying makes this area look terrible.”

The management of The Unicorn has been approached for comment.